Talking Drum

Talking Drum 

FUNCTIONS

The Talking Drum’s ability to imitate the tonal sound of language has made it superior to any of those drums that existed before it. It was purposefully invented to send messages. Since it can talk and sing, that is how it became a musical instrument. Today, the Talking drum is still used for communication. It is used to tell the history of the past, to teach people how to cope with the present and how to prepare for the future. Perhaps what makes the Talking Drum a unique drum is its ability to adapt to the tone of any musical instruments; I mean musical instruments of the universe.

Key Features

The drum is shaped like an hourglass with two heads of the same size and shape.

The drum heads (Awo oju ilu) of the talking drum cover both ends are traditionally made from animal hide, fish-skin or other membranes which are wrapped around a wooden hoop

Leather thongs (Osan) run the length of the drum and are connected to both hoops

The talking drum is struck with a slightly hooked stick and with the fingers of the freehand

It has a tightening rope (Idele) used for fine-tuning the sound of the drum

Has a leather strap called “Apa” used for positioning the drum on one’s shoulder

A black ring on the edge.